SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (June 13, 2011) — Cabela’s once again renewed its sponsorship of National Hunting and Fishing Day that is set to take place September 24, 2011. This day marks the official federal commemoration of hunters, anglers and conservation, and is always on the fourth Saturday in September.

Each year NHFD asks a renowned outdoorsman to serve as honorary chair, and this year businessman T. Boone Pickens will be serving that role. In this role, Boone Pickens helps deliver the message of conservation throughout the hunting and fishing communities.

Pickens is one of America’s most prominent and influential businessmen in history. He is a top authority on world energy issues, president and CEO of the investment firm BP Capital Management and founder of Mesa Petroleum. He is often quoted in the media and has testified many times before Congress. He is the author of “The First Billion is the Hardest” and “Boone Pickens: The Luckiest Guy in the World.” Pickens also is a noted philanthropist with gifts to charitable causes exceeding $700 million.

The continued sponsorship of Cabela’s supports Wonders of Wildlife museum—the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day. The Springfield, Mo., facility oversees educational initiatives to help the American public understand the indelible relationship between hunting, angling, healthy habitat, and wildlife and fisheries conservation.

“Cabela’s supports National Hunting and Fishing Day because of the important role it serves in educating people on the importance of our outdoor heritage,” said Tim Joseph, Cabela’s Director of Brand Management and Creative Services. “By encouraging participation in and understanding of hunting and fishing, NHFD helps assure a future for these important traditions.”

“National Hunting and Fishing Day is excited to have Cabela’s as a sponsor,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Conservation Programs, Wonders of Wildlife. “Their support allows NHFDay to continue to spread the message of conservation of our natural resources that hunters and fisherman take part in every day.

Congress formalized NHF Day in 1972 to remind the public that conservation depends on funding and leadership from hunters and anglers. Every U.S. President from Richard Nixon through Barack Obama has issued official proclamations of support for the annual commemoration, now recognized as one of the most effective grassroots campaigns ever undertaken to promote traditional outdoor sports.